SME Bank, a subsidiary of SME Corporation, has announced a notable reduction in express loan rates by one percentage point, according to its press service. The move arrives amid a broader effort to ease borrowing costs for small and medium enterprises, reflecting a strategic pivot to support entrepreneurs navigating a shifting economic landscape.
With a 2% increase in the key interest rate for businesses, the adjusted loan pricing positions SME Bank loans at 1 to 3 percentage points below prevailing market rates. Under preferential financing schemes, the minimum rate now varies in the vicinity of 12.5%, signaling a concerted attempt to preserve affordable credit access for growing firms. This pricing shift underscores SME Bank’s goal of providing timely liquidity and predictable repayment terms as companies plan capital expenditures, inventory buildup, and workforce expansion for the upcoming quarters. — SME Bank press service
Alexander Isaevich, the CEO of SME Corporation and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SME Bank, commented that this adjustment may prompt other large banks to maintain lending terms at similar levels for a period, thereby reinforcing a supportive environment for entrepreneurship. He emphasized that the SME sector is a central driver in the structural restructuring of the economy, highlighting the role of affordable finance in sustaining innovation and regional development. The statement reflects a broader policy objective to stabilize credit conditions amid evolving financial cycles and regulatory expectations. — SME Bank press service
Ivan Podbereznyak, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SME Bank, indicated plans to implement an accelerated process for approving express loans in the near term. The aim is to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks, and speed up access to capital for urgent business needs, especially for companies facing time-sensitive opportunities or tight cash flow windows. This initiative aligns with the bank’s ongoing efforts to modernize its lending framework and improve service reliability for clients seeking rapid financing. — SME Bank press service
The bank reiterated its commitment to supporting enterprises through the national project dedicated to backing small and medium enterprises and individual entrepreneurship initiatives. This program, overseen by the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, provides a structured framework in which SME Bank’s expanded express credit capabilities can operate. The initiative emphasizes practical, policy-aligned assistance to businesses seeking growth capital, working capital optimization, and milestone-based funding as part of a broader economic modernization agenda. — SME Bank press service